This is part two of the interactive notebook pages for my first unit in Algebra 1. You can find part one here.
Day 3 - Order of Operations
In our textbook, order of operations and evaluating algebraic expressions are intertwined into one section. I thought that was a little much, so I taught them separately. I also had students write PEMDAS on the side of the page. I debated about teaching PEMDAS vs. GEMS, but my students seemed to have a pretty good grasp on grouping symbols and the A/S and M/D relationships. Thank you middle school teacher!
My foldable has six examples (two under each flap). I had students complete the foldable with me, and then complete the handwritten examples with a partner. Then, they made up their own example, and traded notebooks with a neighbor. They completed their neighbor’s example and traded back. When they got their notebooks back, they had to check their neighbor’s work. I came up with this idea during the lesson and thought it was a constructive way to kill extra time, even though it was kind of lame. However, the kids kind of liked it. I let them “grade” their neighbor’s work in red pen. It’s the little things, I guess…
Day 4 - Evaluating Algebraic Expressions
On this page, I used my foldable for evaluating algebraic expressions. Under each flap are two examples. Students worked the example, and then on the flap, they were supposed to write hints to themselves. I made them use parentheses every time they substituted for a variable. We didn’t do very much with negatives (but we will), however, I want to get them into a good habit. I also don’t say “plug in”. It’s not correct mathematical vocabulary. I always model by saying “substitute” instead.
On the facing page, we did more examples. I wasn’t planning to, but once I finished the lesson in first period, I felt like I needed an example page since order of operations had one. I guess I was trying to be fair? I made the problems up on the fly and the page looks crummy. My students didn’t really need the extra practice either. They did a partner worksheet that was sufficient.
Day 5 - Quiz
This day I reviewed with them quickly when they got to class, then I had them take a quiz and let them use their notebooks. They were shocked that it was open note. However, I’m trying to let them see that their notebooks are useful and it’s important to keep them neat and up-to-date. I think I will do this periodically.
I’ll post part three with the end of my unit soon!
